Crown Point bridge has cracks

The new Lake Champlain bridge connecting Crown Point, N.Y., and Addison, Vt., is shown when it opened on Nov. 7, 2011. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)

CROWN POINT — The Press-Republican of Plattsburgh reports the new $76 million bridge over Lake Champlain has cracks in the concrete on the span’s support pillars, but New York transportation officials say there’s nothing to be concerned about.

The Lake Champlain Bridge connecting Crown Point and Addison, Vt., opened last November. It replaced an 80-year-old bridge that had been closed in October 2009 when it was deemed to be structurally unsound.

The old bridge was closed when inspectors found cracks in the concrete pillars.

New York state Department of Transportation officials told the Press-Republican that the hairline cracks on the pillars of the new span are normal for newly poured concrete. They were discovered during routine concrete testing after the bridge opened Nov. 7.